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Asian teams falter in World Cup knockouts with only two advancing
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Asian teams falter in World Cup knockouts with only two advancing

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Only two of nine Asian Football Confederation teams advanced to the 2026 World Cup knockout stages, a decrease from the previous tournament.
  • South Korea was eliminated after failing to secure a draw against South Africa in their final group match, despite earlier hopes.
  • Qatar also exited the tournament after a heavy defeat to Canada and a loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite a strong start against Switzerland.

The 2026 World Cup has concluded with a disappointing performance from Asian Football Confederation (AFC) teams, as only two of the nine participating nations reached the knockout stages. This marks a decline from the 2022 World Cup, where three AFC teams advanced. The tournament's expansion to 48 teams had raised hopes for increased representation, but the reality fell short.

South Korea, initially showing promise with a comeback win against the Czech Republic, faltered in subsequent matches. A loss to Mexico, influenced by a goalkeeping error, and a subsequent defeat to South Africa sealed their elimination. Coach Hong Myung-bo's decisions, including tactical choices regarding star player Son Heung-min, have come under scrutiny.

Qatar's campaign also ended prematurely. After a surprising draw against Switzerland, the team suffered a significant loss to Canada, compounded by red cards. Despite a final effort against Bosnia and Herzegovina, they were unable to secure the win needed to advance.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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